Father and Son Stalled Project: 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle

The Chevy Chevelle quickly became Detroit’s most popular mid-size car after its introduction in 1964. Production exceeded 447,000 units by 1966, including 158,000 Sport Coupes like the seller’s auto. The Super Sport was a series of its own by then and – while the seller’s car isn’t one of those – it’s trying to emulate one. The machine is on just its third owner but has been in the barn since 1977. Located in Tiburon, California, this Chevy has had some more recent work done and runs well again. It’s available here on craigslist for $17,000. Our thanks to Pat L. for another cool tip!

For 1966-67, the Chevelles got a noticeable facelift while still operating off the 1964-65 GM intermediate platform. The cars had a more streamlined look, including a tunnel-like treatment on the roof of the Sport Coupes (like the Dodge Charger would have two years later). The seller has owned the car for at least 45 years, and it’s spent most of that time in a barn. He purchased it from his college roommate way back when. Before being retired, the Chevy managed to accumulate 142,000 miles.

The family barn was in Wisconsin and the plan was for its restoration to become a father and son project, but that never quite came to be. Some work was performed six or seven years ago and what you see in the listing is today’s product of those efforts. Its second period of hibernation went well as when the seller dropped in a new battery, it fired right up and runs and sounds great with the cool exhaust system that was previously installed.

Some of the major work that may have only a couple of hours of running time on them include rebuilding the original 327 cubic inch V8, which has been tricked out to generate 350 hp. A Holley 650 carburetor was added along with headers and an electronic distributor. And the seller didn’t top there, redoing the brakes, shocks, tires (on Rally wheels), a new radiator, and redoing the upholstery on the bucket seats (the back seat looks great). It came with a 4-speed from the factory.

The body and paint are where most of the attention will be needed. There is major corrosion in the quarter panels, cowl, and floor pans, and surface rust everywhere else. Two new front fenders are in the trunk for the buyer to install. Fortunately, it still retains its identification as a Malibu rather than having been cloned into an SS. Some spare parts are also available, but they will come at an additional cost rather than as part of the deal. For example, the seller has a 12-bolt HD, low-ratio rear end offered for $2,000.